The match ended 16-4 with the opposition team Hopwood Old Boys, left wandering what had just happened.

Legends player Terry Jennings told the Sun: ‘We’ve been left Scholes-less ! We would easily win the league if Paul was still playing for us and it must have been a tough call â Chaddy Park Legends or Man United.

‘I don’t think Sir Alex will be looking at too many of our other players but we hope Paul comes back to us when he’s finished his stint at United.

‘Everyone was mesmerised by his skill, pace, awareness, body shape – you name it. We only play 20 minutes each way – so 12 goals was some going.’

There might be a sour ending to the tale though, as Scholes’ cameo appearance in the five-a-side game may have been against the rules.

A league spokesman said: ‘If the other team were to complain, the result would be reversed and they would be awarded the game 3-0.

‘He is now ineligible to play in our league because he has registered with Manchester United again.’